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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 11, 2009RENTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Meeting May 11, 2009 Monday, 7 p.m. MINUTES Council Chambers Renton City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL OF COUNCILMEMBERS CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE PROCLAMATION Salvation Army Week May 11 to 15,2009 PUBLIC HEARING Streets: Potential Closure of Benson Rd S Mayor Law called the meeting of the Renton City Council to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. RANDY CORMAN, Council President; MARCIE PALMER; DON PERSSON; KING PARKER; TERRIE BRIERE; RICH ZWICKER; GREG TAYLOR. DENIS LAW, Mayor; JAY COVINGTON, Chief Administrative Officer; ZANETTA FONTES, Assistant City Attorney; BONNIE WALTON, City Clerk; ALEX PIETSCH, Community and Economic Development Administrator; GREGG ZIMMERMAN, Public Works Administrator; PETER HAHN, Deputy Public Works Administrator - Transportation; MARTY WINE, Assistant CAO; PREETI SHRIDHAR, Communications Director; LYS HORNSBY, Utility Systems Director; DEPUTY CHIEF MARK PETERSON, Fire Department; COMMANDER PAUL CLINE, Police Department. A proclamation by Mayor Law was read declaring May 11 to 15, 2009 to be "Salvation Army Week" in the City of Renton and encouraging all citizens to join in saluting the steadfast men and women who bind up the broken hearted and renew the heart of our community by their quiet service of compassion. MOVED BY TAYLOR, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE PROCLAMATION. CARRIED. Captain Terry Masango accepted the proclamation with appreciation. He announced that the Salvation Army served over 13,000 people this past year. He invited City officials to tour the Renton food bank and encouraged everyone in the community to attend a fundraiser on June 30, 2009 at the IKEA Performing Arts Center. This being the date set and proper notices having been posted and published in accordance with local and State laws, Mayor Law opened the public hearing to consider the potential closure of Benson Rd. S. for bridge replacement work over 1-405 as part of the Washington State Department of Transportation 1-405, 1-5 to SR 169 Stage 2 - Widening and SR 515 Interchange project. Deputy Public Works Administrator - Transportation Peter Hahn introduced project coordinators Chad Brown from the Washington State Department of Transportation, and Alan Brown from the 1-405 Corridor Design-Builders team. Chad Brown explained that the project creates new northbound and southbound lanes on 1-405 between SR 167 and SR 169, adds a half-diamond interchange at Talbot Rd. S, and reconstructs a portion of Benson Rd. S. He requested an 11- month full closure of Benson Rd. S. stating that closing the road will decrease construction time by half and remove traffic from the work zone, thereby minimizing disruptions to the motoring public. Alan Brown stated that the greatest benefit for closing Benson Rd. S. is the reduction in construction time from 22 months to 11 months. He reported that the proposed project schedule, without the road closure, contains five components including: 1) widening of 1-405, 2) a 22-month Benson Rd. S. re- construction element, 3) a new northbound on-ramp, 4) a new southbound off- ramp, and 5) construction on Talbot Rd. S. He also reported that the project will begin in July 2009 and is scheduled to be completed in August 2011. May 11,2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 135 Mr. Brown remarked that without the proposed road closure there will be an overlap of construction occurring on Benson Rd. S. and Talbot Rd. S. He also pointed out that a significant portion of the work will occur at night and a noise variance will be requested from the City. He also remarked that closing the road would reduce the construction time for the new northbound ramp by six months, and for the new southbound ramp by two months. Continuing, Mr. Brown reported that a traffic modeling plan was developed using real-time data from the City of Renton and the Washington State Department of Transportation. He stated that the traffic network was investigated as far south as SR 167 and as far north as SR 169 and that the model assumes that some motorists will use alternative routes. He stated that the detour route moves traffic west on S. Grady Way, north on Talbot Rd. S. and then east on S. Puget Dr. Mr. Brown reported that the following improvements will be made in order to optimize traffic flow on the detour route: 1) implementing traffic signal optimization at eight intersections, 2) creating double right turns from eastbound S. Grady Way onto Talbot Rd. S, 3) increasing the turn-pocket from westbound S. Grady Way onto southbound Talbot Rd. S. to accommodate more vehicles, and 4) improving the double southbound turn lanes from Talbot Rd. S. to S. Puget Dr. He stated that with these traffic mitigations there will only be a two- minute delay beyond what the normal route would take. Mr. Brown also reported that other benefits that will result, but are not associated with the closure include: 1) creating a pedestrian walkway from Benson Rd. S. to Talbot Rd. S, 2) adding a radio controlled emergency access gate for efficient police and fire response, and 3) adding landscape improvements on Talbot Rd. S. He stated that public messaging will occur via the internet, extensive media relations, business and freight outreach, meeting with the Greater Renton Chamber of Commerce, setting up booths at summer festivals, reacting to phone calls and emails, and through newsletter mailers. Responding to Councilmember Persson's inquiries, Chad Brown stated that there would be minimal impact to traffic during peak times if the road were to remain open. He responded that although flaggers are not allowed during peak morning and afternoon commuting times, the construction work would be occurring 24 hours per day and would have a significant impact on motorists traveling during non-peak times. Mr. Brown also responded that westbound traffic on S. Grady Way would not back up to the point that it would block left turns onto Wells Ave. S. Correspondence in opposition to the proposed road closure was read from the following individuals: Marilyn J. May (Seattle); A.J. Notcho (city of residence unknown); and Rob Elliot and Vicki Dallosto (Renton). Correspondence in support of the proposed road closure was read from the following individuals: Marilyn Rogers (Renton); Clint Ostler (Renton); John and Evangeline Richardson (Renton); John Summer (Renton); and Paul Scott (Renton). Correspondence citing traffic concerns regarding the proposed road closure was read from the following individuals: James S. Pate (Kent); Dianne Bell (Renton); Andrew Dayton (Renton); Julie Curtis (Renton); Bob Garlough (Renton); and Tony Olszewski (Renton). May 11, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 136 Public comment was invited. Martha Duval (Renton) expressed concern regarding the proposed road closure while construction was occurring on Talbot Rd. S. She explained that although the City did a good job clearing snow and ice last winter, S. Puget Dr. is a much steeper road than Benson Rd. S. and asked what precautions the City will take to ensure the road is safe. Bill Taylor (Renton) voiced opposition to the proposed road closure. He remarked that businesses along the Duvall Ave. NE corridor are experiencing tough times and opined that those business owners would have, in retrospect, preferred 24 months of inconvenience compared to the 12 month road closure. Matt Devine (Renton), President, Victoria Park Neighborhood Association, stated that the proposed road closure will severely impact his community. He remarked that he does not believe that the proposed detour route would only add a two-minute delay to travel times. Mr. Devine also opined that the Washington State Department of Transportation does not support Renton residents and that the proposed road closure only benefits the project coordinators and not the citizens of Renton. Responding to Council President Corman's inquiry, Mr. Devine stated that the Victoria Park Neighborhood Association has not voted as a board to oppose the proposed road closure. Dave McCammon (Renton) expressed support for the road closure. He stated that flaggers will be controlling traffic during the time he travels to work and that he will use an alternative route. Benjamin Yu (Renton) voiced support for the road closure. He also expressed concern for the safety of the his neighborhood located at 1100 Eagle Ridge Dr., noting that motorists traveling northbound on Benson Rd. S. may use his cul-de- sac to make a u-turn if they are not aware of the closure. He requested that additional signs warning of the road closure and "No U-Turn" signs be posted in the area. Christina Rosa (Renton) stated that she lives on Benson Rd. S. and expressed dissatisfaction with the answers she received concerning the amount of traffic back-up that will occur due to the closure. She explained that entering Benson Rd. S. from her driveway is difficult enough without the road being closed. Victor Eskenazi (Renton) requested information regarding the new on and off ramps. He remarked that closing the road will cause a greater inconvenience to commuters than to other motorists traveling during non-peak hours. He also opined that it would take longer than two minutes to travel the detour route. Pete Moss (King County) stated that Benson Rd. S. is the only practical route for bicyclists to get to Benson Hill. He asked what type of facilities and/or accommodations will be made available for bicycle commuting. Chad Brown responded that bicycle traffic was not accounted for and was assumed to be able to take the detour route. Dr. Mike Ding (Renton) expressed opposition to the road closure. He stated that an 11 month road closure will severely impact his business which is located in the vicinity of Benson Rd. S. and S. Puget Dr. He also remarked that it is unlikely that the detour route will only add an additional two minutes of travel time. Michael Drollinger (Renton) stated that more information is needed prior to making an informed decision about the proposed road closure. He opined that Benson Rd. S. should be kept open during peak commute times. Mr. Drollinger stated that the Washington State Department of Transportation has not proposed May 11, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 137 viable uncongested alternate routes. He also voiced concerns about utilizing the detour route during winter months. Ray Newman (Renton) proposed opening Grant Ave. S. to through-traffic to allow residents who live in the Benson Hill area alternate access to downtown Renton. He explained that the road is now blocked, but access could be granted to ease some of the congestion that would result from construction on Benson Rd. S. Thomas Robinson (Renton) voiced opposition to the proposed road closure and also expressed concern about utilizing the detour route during the winter months. Mike Mayfarth (Renton) proposed using a system of incentives and consequences to ensure that the contractor performs the road improvements in a timely manner. There being no further public comment, it was MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY ZWICKER, COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED. Councilmember Parker stated that he voted for the closure of Duvall Ave. NE surmising that the closure reduced the impact to local residents, businesses and schools, and saved millions of dollars. He remarked that he was initially supportive of the proposed Benson Rd. S. closure, yet recognized that the two projects have major differences. He pointed out that the overall time-line for the project remains the same whether the road is closed or not. He commented that utilizing flaggers for traffic control during non-peak hours is a viable alternative and that most motorists would use an alternate route to avoid construction delays. He stated that the road closure may benefit the contractor financially; however, the City's first obligation is to its citizens and businesses. Councilmember Taylor stated that economic times were better when the decision to close Duvall Ave. NE was made. He also remarked that he is inclined to be against the proposed closure due to the fact that the detour route is steep and could cause motorists trouble driving to and from their communities during the winter months. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL OPPOSE THE CLOSURE OF BENSON RD. S. CARRIED. Council President Corman explained that the construction of the added lanes and new on and off ramps is part of an overall plan for 1-405 that began approximately ten years ago. He further explained that the plan calls for direct connections from 1-405 to SR 167 eliminating the ramps at Rainier Ave. S, resulting in the need for new ramps at Talbot Ave. S. AUDIENCE COMMENT Citizen Comment: McOmber - Community Blood Drive & Townhall Meeting Event in Renton Highlands Citizen Comment: Dideon - 2009 Neighborhood Program Grants Howard McOmber (Renton) invited the community to attend a blood drive on May 30, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the LDS church located at 816 Field Ave. NE. He also requested that a townhall style meeting be conducted in the Highlands to afford citizens the opportunity to discuss budget issues with City officials and staff. Scott Dideon (Renton) expressed concerns regarding the 2009 Neighborhood Grant Program. He stated that the City's budget is down ten percent this year and encouraged Council and City staff to determine if this expense is critical. He remarked that spending sixty to seventy thousand dollars for neighborhood signage is roughly equivalent to $1 per citizen in Renton. May 11, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 138 Citizen Comment: Flynn • Senate Bill 5649 CONSENT AGENDA Council Meeting Minutes of 5/4/2009 Planning: 2009 Development Regulations (Title IV) Docket & Comprehensive Plan Amendments Community Services: Museum Master Plan, Gyroscope Inc Community Services: HVAC Improvements, Puget Sound Energy Conservation Grant Transportation: Trails and Bicycle Master Plan Transportation: Traffic Impact Study, Rao Associates Mayor Law encouraged Mr. Dideon to attend budget meetings and meet with the City's Finance Director. He explained that the City has cut budgeted expenses in excess of $18 million over the past two years. Mayor Law also pointed out that the neighborhood program provides a method for the City to be involved with 53 neighborhoods representing nearly all 80,000 residents. Council President Corman further explained that the City has traditionally budgeted $50,000 for the neighborhood program and that additional scrutiny will be applied to this year's proposed projects. He also clarified that the grants are matched with time and labor, pointing out that most neighborhoods commit more time and labor than is required. He emphasized that these community volunteers tend to become volunteers for other City programs, and noted that the City received $1.3 million worth of value from volunteers last year. He remarked that it is money well spent. Jim Flynn (Renton) stated that SB 5649 allocates $15 million of Washington State's Federal Energy Efficiency stimulus funding to help millions of middle- income homeowners, small businesses, and non-profit organizations retrofit their properties for energy efficiency. He stated that SB 5649 directs Washington State University to provide grants and technical assistance to neighborhood energy efficiency pilot programs throughout the state. He opined that the program is tailor made for the City's Housing Repair Assistance Program and read excerpts from the bill's Findings Section. Mr. Flynn announced that there are contractors already competing for the money and requested that Council act together with the Housing Assistance Repair Program and Renton Technical College to find ways to take advantage of the opportunities offered by SB 5649. Councilmember Parker responded that the City is already taking advantage of stimulus money. He announced that $257,988 is being accepted from Puget Sound Energy for upgrades at the 200 Mill Building. Councilmember Briere added that the City is also looking to use grants to assist in lighting retrofit projects at both the 200 Mill Building and City Hall. Items listed on the consent agenda are adopted by one motion which follows the listing. Approval of Council Meeting minutes of 5/4/2009. Council concur. Community and Economic Development Department submitted proposed 2009 Title IV Docket and Comprehensive Plan amendment lists for the annual review processes. Refer to Planning and Development Committee and Planning Commission. Community Services Department recommended approval of a contract in the amount of $90,000 with Gyroscope, hie, to develop a Museum Master Plan. Refer to Finance Committee. Community Services Department recommended approval of a Puget Sound Energy Conservation Grant to accept $257,988 for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements at the 200 Mill Building. Council concur. Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of the City of Renton Trails and Bicycle Master Plan. Council concur. Transportation Systems Division recommended approval of a contract in the amount of $32,736 with Rao Associates, Inc. for transportation modeling services to support the Community and Economic Development Department's traffic impact study. Council concur. May 11, 2009 Renton City Council Minutes Page 139 Utility: 2009-2010 Mosquito Abatement Program, Whitworth Pest Solutions CAG: 07-072, Central Plateau Interceptor Section 2, Rodarte Construction UNFINISHED BUSINESS Committee of the Whole Transportation: Trails and Bicycle Master Plan Finance Committee Community Services: City Center Community Plan, MAKERS architecture + urban design RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES RESOLUTION #4005 Transportation: Trails and Bicycle Master Plan Development Services: Contractor Liability for Street Repairs/Maintenance ADJOURNMENT Jason Seth, Recorder May 11, 2009 Utility Systems Division recommended approval of a sole source contract in the amount of $53,315.55 with Whitworth Pest Solutions, Inc. for the 2009-2010 Mosquito Abatement Program. Council concur. Utility Systems Division submitted CAG-07-072, Central Plateau Interceptor Section 2; and requested approval of the project, authorization for final pay estimate in the amount of $8,175, commencement of a 60-day lien period, and release of retained amount of $103,163.47 to Rodarte Construction, Inc, contractor, if all required releases are obtained. Council concur. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY BRIERE, COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. CARRIED. Council President Corman presented a report regarding the City of Renton Trails and Bicycle Master Plan. The Committee reviewed the City of Renton Trails and Bicycle Master Plan and recommended that the resolution regarding this matter be presented for reading and adoption. MOVED BY CORMAN, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. (See later this page for resolution.) Finance Committee Chair Persson presented a report recommending concurrence in the staff recommendation to approve a contract with MAKERS architecture + urban design in the amount of $34,350 to assist in the development of the framework plan for the City Center Community Planning Area. The Committee further recommended that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the agreement. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY TAYLOR, COUNCIL CONCUR IN THE COMMITTEE REPORT. CARRIED. The following resolution was presented for reading and adoption: A resolution was read adopting the 2009 Renton Trails and Bicycle Master Plan. MOVED BY BRIERE, SECONDED BY PARKER, COUNCIL ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS READ. CARRIED. The following ordinance was presented for first reading and referred to the Council meeting of 5/18/2009 for second and final reading. An ordinance was read amending Chapter 6, Street Utility Standards, of Title IV (Development Regulations) and Chapter 10, Street Excavations, of Title IX (Public Ways and Property) of City Code, changing references regarding permits from the Public Works Department to the Department of Community and Economic Development; to specify the requirement for liability insurance as a permit condition; and to extend the duration of maintenance bonds from one year to two years. MOVED BY PARKER, SECONDED BY PALMER, COUNCIL REFER THE ORDINANCE FOR SECOND AND FINAL READING ON 5/18/2009. CARRIED. MOVED BY PERSSON, SECONDED BY CORMAN, COUNCIL ADJOURN. CARRIED. Time: 8:18 p.m. Bonnie I Walton, CMC, City Clerk RENTON CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR Office of the City Clerk COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING May 11, 2009 COMMITTEE/CHAIRMAN DATE/TIME AGENDA COUNCIL WORKSHOP (Corman) WED, 5/20 2:00 p.m. 2010 Budget Process *7th Floor Conferencing Center* COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Corman) MON, 5/18 6:00 p.m. Flooding Scenario - Tabletop Exercise *7th Floor Conferencing Center* COMMUNITY SERVICES (Briere) MON, 5/18 4:30 p.m. 2009 Neighborhood Program Grants FINANCE (Persson) MON, 5/18 5:00 p.m. Vouchers; Museum Master Plan Contract with Gyroscope, Inc. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT THURS, 5/14 (Parker) 2:30 p.m. Real Estate Kiosk (briefing only); Title IV (Development Regulations) Docket #1 (briefing only) PUBLIC SAFETY (Taylor) MON, 5/18 4:00 p.m. Valley Narcotics Enforcement Team (VNET) Status (briefing only) TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION) THURS, 5/14 (Palmer) 4:00 p.m. Lease Amendment with AirO, Inc. for Rent Deferral; Metro Transit Reduction Status (briefing only); Local and Regional Transportation Issues UTILITIES (Zwicker) THURS, 5/14 Release of Easement Request from Hanson 2:00 p.m. (for Jacques) NOTE: Committee of the Whole meetings are held in the Council Chambers unless otherwise noted. All other committee meetings are held in the Council Conference Room unless otherwise noted.